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Tastes Like Tradition

Fresh ideas for the holiday foods we love

Party Ahead? This Year Make it Personal

Pop Goes the Turkey: Presentation Tips from the Pros HOLIDAYS

2010

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The holidays wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the holidays without these much loved, always served foods. And no, we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talking about the stuffing

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Planning to gather family and friends at your home this holiday season? A little forethought and creativity will make your party personal and special

Entertaining tips to help the little ones dine in style and have fun instead of feeling shunned

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CANDY IS DANDY

Send guests home with a sweet little something

Start a sweet new tradition perfect for sharing and interacting. And it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t taste so bad, either

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FINISHING TOUCH: RESENTATION TIPS FROM THE PROS The same old turkey-and-potatoes meal doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to look spare. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to turn the basics into a blockbuster

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HOLIDAYS AT Audrey Wyatt’s

The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without these much-loved, alwaysserved foods.And no, we aren’t talking about the stuffing

house wouldn’t be the same without the JellO mold. And the mold itself is always the same: black cherry Jell-O with pineapple rings and banana slices in the center. Mandarin oranges float inside. This was Wyatt’s mother’s Jell-O mold, which she put out on the table for every holiday – a tradition Wyatt has continued. Wyatt’s mother passed away before her children were born, so Wyatt, 49, of Phoenix, began making

the same recipe as a way to have her mom “present in their celebrations.” She calls it “the Grandma Lea.” These are the foods holidays are made of – the unique and special dishes that are woven into the fabric of a family. “It’s a way to tell your story,” says Meg Cox, a Princeton, New Jerseybased traditions expert and author of “The Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays & Everyday”(Running Press,

2003). Like in Wyatt’s case, it’s also a way to keep lost loved ones close. “If you’ve lost somebody, it’s a wonderful way to honor that person,” Cox says. She notes that these food traditions also become a part of the family history and a way to celebrate family identity. For Scott Duncan, 43, a kitchen designer in Bradenton, Fla., Christmas morning would not be complete without the “sausage roll” (a sausage and biscuit roulade). His grandmother started the tradition years ago and Duncan has continued it every year. “The 5 minutes it takes me to slice the roll and get it in the oven turns out to be my own private moment to remember my grandparents on Christmas morning – usually with a simultaneous smile and a tear,”

Duncan says. For each family, the traditions are different. They may be subtle things – the same sweet potato casserole or a local favorite. Sometimes you may not even realize that years have passed, the family has changed: these things remain. Or perhaps those traditions are still yet to come – which is OK, says Cox.“Family is a living, breathing, changing thing,” she says, noting that traditions also change and it’s OK to create new ones or even change the old ones – so long as it’s not ruffling a whole bunch of feathers. At Audrey Wyatt’s house, the Jell-O mold is non-negotiable. “The kids, now teens, would kill me if I didn’t make it,” she says. © CTW Features

Now THAT’S a Pig! Ham is a beloved staple at the holiday table. For many families, it’s the same-old pre-sliced spiral cut year in, year out. Pork lovers, however, should consider the alternative – a DIY ham that will be juicier and more flavorful than anything that comes directly from your grocer’s readymade section. —Matthew M. F. Miller

Holiday Ham with Maple Syrup-Clove-Marmalade Glaze Courtesy “Stonewall Kitchen Winter Celebrations” (Chronicle Books, 2009) by Jonathan King, Jim Stott and Kathy Gunst ingredients 1 8- to 10-pound bone-in smoked ham (sliced or unsliced) 2 tablespoons whole cloves 2 large oranges 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup marmalade Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Trim the ham of any excess fat and place it flat side down on a rack in a large roasting pan. Using a small, sharp knife, score the

ham by making a grid pattern (1/4-inch deep) across the ham at 3/4-inch intervals. (If you’re using a sliced ham, you’ll only need to make one set of cuts, perpendicular to the slices that are already there.) Poke the pointy ends of the cloves into the ham where the lines intersect, scattering any remaining cloves on the bottom of the pan. Zest the oranges, and set the zest aside in a small saucepan for the glaze. Juice the oranges directly over the ham, straining the seeds, then cover the ham with foil and bake for 2 hours, turning the pan and basting with the pan juices once or twice during cooking. Meanwhile, add the syrup and marmalade to the pan with the zest and bring to a

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simmer over low heat, stirring. When the marmalade has melted, remove from the heat and set aside. After 2 hours, increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Remove the foil, pour the glaze evenly over the ham and bake another 30 minutes uncovered, or until nicely browned. Transfer the ham to a serving platter and let it sit 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, drizzled with pan juices. Note: Look for smoked hams at specialty food shops and most good butchers, or in most supermarkets. You can also use a honeycured ham, sliced or unsliced. Serves 8 to 10, with leftovers © CTW Features

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5 Fun Ideas to Personalize a Party Planning to gather family and friends at home this holiday season? A little forethought and creativity will make the party personal and special DARCI SMITH CTW FEATURES

KATIE BROWN

“THE HOLIDAY SEASON is all about giving,” says Katie Brown, home and gardening expert and host of “Katie Brown Workshop.”“When you throw a party and it’s full of unique touches, that is a great gift.” Take 5 steps forward in this year’s holiday party planning with these expert tips.

STEP 1: YOU’RE INVITED! An invitation sets the mood for a holiday gathering, says Heather Lapham Kuhn, owner of Truly Yours Custom Correspondence Design in Carmel, Ind. Electronic invitations continue to increase in popularity. Leading online invitation and social event planning service Evite claims more than 22 million registered users, with more than 25,000 “Evites” sent each hour in 2009. But Kuhn finds electronic invites too impersonal for holiday gatherings. “It’s perfectly fine for a quick get-together, but receiving an invitation in the mail today is very special,” she says. “When people receive something that isn’t a bill or junk in their mailbox, they take notice – and that gets them excited.” Plus, custom invites can help introduce a theme, motif or color scheme, Kuhn says. “Carry the idea from the first contact through the final note to really

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make an impact.” Custom invites can be done the DIY route, or with the assistance of a designer, depending on the budget, Kuhn notes. For the latter, expect to pay from $3 to $25 each, depending on how simple or elaborate the design. Mail invites four to six weeks in advance to ensure a place on guests’ busy holiday calendars.

STEP 2: FOOD FOR THOUGHT Traditional turkey and stuffing may seem like a tired menu offering, but infusing it with a family’s heritage can add a new twist. Guests appreciate a personal touch, says Dana Cox, chef instructor at Chicagobased Kendall College’s School of Culinary Arts and owner of Old Stove Gourmet, a personal chef service. “It’s something that means something to you individually,” Cox says. “People like sharing what’s important to you.” Telling the history behind a dish’s tradition while breaking bread with guests can inspire dinner conversation, Cox says. Feel free to have copies of not-so-secret family recipes on hand for guests who request them. “They can continue that story the next time they serve it,” she adds. Another option is to update old family recipes with seasonal ingredients, or luxury ingredients not used daily. Cox’s version of green bean casserole – a fan

favorite –includes a variety of wild mushrooms with a homemade béchamel cream sauce. “It’s always a huge hit,” she says.“It’s that same flavor profile but upgraded with quality ingredients.”

STEP 3: DRESS THE TABLE A centerpiece is as important as the

place settings and serving pieces, says Jennifer McGarigle, founder of Floral Art in Venice, Calif. “It makes the table festive, special.” McGarigle believes many people stay away from centerpieces because of a preconceived notion of what they should be. “Today, not everyone wants the round centerpiece with the candle in the middle,” she says.

Luckily, a traditional centerpiece isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessary. McGarigle likes groupings of small, cylindrical glass vases with a single orchid blossom, leaf or floating candle on top. Vases nine inches tall make a presence without being intrusive. Create groupings of three or four on a long table, or a grid in the middle of a round one. Miniature cypress trees also provide interest, come in varying sizes and, best of all, outlive the evening, she adds.

STEP 4: THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ENTERTAINMENT Katie Brown has fond memories of the pageants she, her sisters and friends would put on during her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual post-church Christmas Eve gathering. While adults celebrated in her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Petoskey, Mich., home, the children spent a good portion of their evening rehearsing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt like I was contributing to the whole festival of Christmas,â&#x20AC;? says Brown. One especially good year was when she played the Little Drummer Boy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It just meant the world to me,â&#x20AC;? she adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Presents meant nothing.â&#x20AC;? Such pageants set a â&#x20AC;&#x153;magical tone for the night,â&#x20AC;? Brown says, because all generations gathered to focus on a singular event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a beautiful moment in a holiday party,â&#x20AC;? she adds. Advise guests of a pageant in the invitation, so children are prepared with ideas and an appropriate costume. Still, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to have props, role ideas and costumes ready for kids to run with, Brown advises. No children in attendance? Gather the adults together for a holidaythemed reading or recording, such as Clement Clarke Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twas the Night Before Christmasâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;some kind of moment where you all come together and celebrate the season,â&#x20AC;? Brown says.

STEP 5: DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T SEND GUESTS AWAY EMPTY-HANDED â&#x20AC;&#x153;A takeaway gift is part of the sharing, the celebration of people in your life,â&#x20AC;? says Shai Tertner, lifestyle expert, event designer and president of Shiraz Events, a production company with offices in New York City and Miami. Plus, guests feel like hosts have invested in them, since they took the time to put a gift together, Tertner points out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Give gifts that are a reflection of you and things you like and appreciate in your life,â&#x20AC;? he says. The gift need not be expensive: homemade nuts, a trio of olive oils, even a framed picture of the host and guest are all appropriate and touching offerings. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget packaging, which can be personalized with branded stickers or cards, or wrapped in a favorite color guests will immediately associate with their host. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the thought that counts, but let it be a stylish thought,â&#x20AC;?Tertner says. ÂŠ CTW Features

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Candy is Dandy Start a sweet new tradition perfect for sharing and interacting.And it doesn’t taste half bad, either MATTHEW M. F. MILLER CTW FEATURES

WILTON ENTERPRISE & ANITA CHU

For Nancy Siler’s children, making homemade candy was as integral to the holidays as tearing open the presents on Christmas morning. “We loved the kitchen experience and the creativity of deciding whether we were going to make easy and quick clusters or mold some special iconic shapes in candy molds,” says Siler, vice president of consumer affairs for Woodridge, Ill.-based Wilton, a popular food-crafting company. “It was fun to share the creations with family and friends, especially the grandparents!” Creativity is also the allure for Anita Chu, author of “Field Guide to Candy:

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How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable” (Quirk Books, 2009). “As with all other homemade goods, you can control what goes into your homemade candy, which makes it that much more unique and special,” she says. “You can come up with your own flavors and your own presentation for your candies. You can also avoid many of the preservatives and additives that

go into mass-produced candy. There is a world of difference between fresh chocolate and butter and mass produced, prepackaged items.” According to both Chu and Siler, people tend to be unnecessarily intimidated by the candy-making process, which can be easy and rewarding if you start small and carry a big thermometer. “Start small and practice. Many candies are surprisingly simple to make at

home and require no more skill than mixing ingredients together or melting chocolate,” Chu says. “Candies that require skill, like cooking sugar or tempering chocolate, can also be mastered with a little patience and practice.” Siler says that many of the tools needed for basic candy-making are already in your home. “You can melt large amounts of chocolate or confectionery coating in

the microwave, which is perfect for molding and dipping candies, cookies or pretzels,” she says. “Or mix in 1/2 cup of rice cereal, nuts, coconut or chocolate-covered candies with 1 cup of candy melts and drop onto a parchment-covered cookie sheet for clusters.” The essential tools to get started are a candy thermometer that goes up to 400 degrees F (if you want to cook sugar), aluminum baking sheets for lining up candies to cool and inexpensive plastic molds, if the agenda includes making molded chocolates or candies. Chu also recommends using thin latex or cotton gloves, which allow candy makers to handle finished candies without leaving prints. In these cash-strapped times, Siler says candy is an inexpensive, scrumptious present to share with loved ones. “The holidays inspire gift-giving and sharing with family and friends. What better gift is there than to craft something with your own two hands?” Siler says. “Everyone loves to receive delicious homemade treats that come from the heart. It’s a personal touch that shows you took the time to create something special from your kitchen.” One of this year’s emerging trends for candy making is the addition of sea salt to sweets. “Sweet and salty is a nice combination,” Siler says. “Think about making chocolate-dipped potato chips and pretzels. If making truffles, a very small amount of a good quality, larger particle salt could be placed on top.” Chu finds that sea salt pairs well with caramel. Its distinct tang contrasts with the rich sweetness of the caramel, giving more dimension to the buttery caramel flavor. “Sea salt should be used as a highlight though, not simply substituted for regular salt in a recipe,” she says. Chu says that another big trend is homemade marshmallows, in all sorts of flavors, as well as old classics jazzed up with modern ingredients, like pea-

nut brittle with sea salt or chocolate bark with roasted cacao nibs and pumpkin seeds. To give candy as a gift, Siler suggests making the effort to select the right flavors, targeted to the person who is receiving the goodies. And since most people can’t resist the allure of candy, she says don’t worry about how long it will stay fresh. “Most candies don’t last that long to worry about freshness, especially at the holidays,” she says. Chu agrees. “Anything with chocolate is always welcome. Candy is almost always made for gift-giving, so most candies are suitable as long as you give it away soon after making it, and let the recipient know to keep them cool, dry and covered.” Chu’s favorite gift candies are chocolate covered nut clusters, caramel corn, chocolate bark and English toffee. Cookie exchanges have long been a popular activity around the holidays, but making candy can be a great way to bond with family and friends, and to get a nice array of sweets without spending the entire month cooking. "Candy clubs are a great way to experiment with candy-making, especially as most recipes yield quite a few pieces, so it's easy to divide them up," Chu says. "Dipping chocolates or forming nut clusters is a fun group activity. Taffy-pulling parties used to be a popular activity in Colonial days." And while candy-making isn't kids stuff, many recipes are fun and easy for younger candy enthusiasts. Chu recommends caramel corn, chocolate-dipped pretzels, coconut haystacks, no-fail fudge and peanut butter balls, which all have just a few ingredients. These are all relatively simple to assemble and provide children the satisfaction of creating their own candy. © CTW Features

Fleur de Sel Caramels ingredients 1 cup sugar 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel 1 tablespoon vanilla extract method Line an 8-by-8 inch baking pan with a piece of parchment paper long enough to hang over the

edges. Butter the parchment well. Combine the sugar and cream in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the corn syrup and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 230 degrees F. Add the butter and stir carefully to combine. Continue cooking mixture until it reaches 245

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degrees F. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla. Pour mixture into pan to cool and harden. Remove the caramel block from the pan and cut into squares using a sharp, well-oiled knife. Sprinkle a few grains of fleur de sel on top of the caramels before wrapping. Yield: About 60 caramels © CTW Features

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Finishing Touch: Presentation Tips from the Pros The same old turkey-andpotatoes meal doesn’t have to look spare. Here’s how to turn the basics into a blockbuster

savory bread pudding made with seasonal vegetable combinations like butternut squash cubes, thyme and chanterelle mushrooms, or brussels sprouts and radicchio with parmesan. These dishes have the added benefit of providing a satisfying and unique option for vegetarians.

LET THE SUPPORTING ACTORS STAND OUT Sometimes all it takes is a special beverage to turn a basic spread into something super chic. Holiday meals usually involve children and teenagers, so creating a signature seasonal drink that can be made with or without alcohol is fun and allows everyone to participate, says Schemper.Try an “add your own wine” roasted-fruit sangria made with dark fruit juices, or cranberry mimosas and mock-mosas featuring sparkling white grape juice and sweetened cranberry ice cubes. True also likes serving a trio of fabulous hot drinks.“Our current favorite holiday sips are brandied hot chocolate, mulled wine with Triple Sec, cardamom and crystallized ginger and a warm apple pie cocktail, which tastes exactly like apple pie, only in liquid form.”

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GIVE EVERY DISH A PROP THAT POPS EVERY YEAR it’s the same old song and dance

– holiday meals that consist of the standard turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberries. But with a little thinking outside the icebox, it’s possible to have a traditional dinner and a five-star presentation, too.

REWRITE THE SCRIPT Want to serve the classic dishes, but avoid preparing them in a clichéd way? “Even though a holiday like Thanksgiving is purely American, your plate needn’t be,” says Molly Schemper, co-owner of Chicago-based FIG Catering. She recommends adding intrigue to a traditional meal by using ingredients 8

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inspired by ethnic cuisines. For example, serve the turkey with a Mexican mole sauce made with chiles, tomatilloes, dried fruit, nuts and chocolate. Or, go all out with an Indian Spiced Turkey that’s been brined in yogurt and roasted with turmeric, coriander seeds and fenugreek. Pair it with Curried Mashed Potatoes with Peas (a take on the classic samosa filling) and apple chutney. The chutney could work as a substitute for cranberries,but if you can’t imagine the holidays without those little red balls,go cross-cultural and make the following version,a new favorite of MargoTrue,food editor for“Sunset”magazine:fresh cranberries simmered with sweet-tart pomegranate

molasses from the Eastern Mediterranean. Look for this piquant syrup in the imported foods aisle. Another scene-stealing option is to most of the meal on the grill. Schemper suggests grilled iceberg lettuce wedge salad, orange and honey grilled sweet potatoes, grilled sourdough stuffing and grilled fruit with whipped cream to accompany grilled butterflied turkey. Finally, a simple way to banish boredom from the table is to serve up a side dish that’s similar, but not the same. For example, instead of mashed potatoes, try a root vegetable gratin, says Brittany Baldwin, chef/owner of Portland Home Chef, Portland, Ore. Or instead of stuffing, serve

Think of garnishes and tableware as the ultimate accessory for a meal. An ultra-creative way to garnish is to actually cook the decoration into the dish, says Baldwin.“Inlaying herbs beneath the skin of the bird makes for a beautiful presentation before carving and adds a lot of flavor.”To do it, carefully loosen the skin from the meat on the breast and insert whole sage leaves, thyme sprigs or rosemary in whatever pattern you prefer.After the bird cooks, the design will appear through the skin. Another Baldwin garnish go-to is pink peppercorns. Mild and a little sweet compared to white or black peppercorns, you can use them whole to add a speck of red without overpower-

ing a dish. For an appetizer, she rolls a log of goat cheese in pink peppercorns

Gourmet Green Bean Casserole Get rave reviews by making a classic dish from scratch. Baldwin’s DIY recipe for green bean casserole contains less salt and preservatives, and allows you to incorporate organic ingredients. Better yet, Baldwin says, “It’s very simple and much better tasting!” Ingredients 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1 pound mushrooms, chopped 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 1/2 pounds of green beans, either frozen or fresh with the stems removed and sliced into small pieces 6 tablespoons flour 2 cups milk 8 ounces fried onion pieces Method Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sauté chopped onions for 2 minutes in two tablespoons of the butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 8 minutes, then stir in 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper and set aside. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and add flour, whisking until mixture begins to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Pour in milk and continue whisking until mixture has thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in remaining salt and pepper and pour mixture over beans. Pour beans into a buttered 9x13 glass dish. Cover and cook on top shelf of oven until bubbly, about 15 minutes. Uncover and add onion pieces, cook another 30 seconds or until golden brown.Add garlic, wild mushrooms or bacon to this dish for a tasty twist. © CTW Features

and drizzles with garlic or citrus-flavored olive oil and serves with crackers. For a sweeter accent, Schemper likes candied ginger and citrus peels.To DIY it, chop peeled ginger and citrus peel and boil in water for one hour. Drain and boil in a simple sugar mixer (equal parts water and sugar) for another hour. Once removed, place pieces on a baking sheet covered with sugar, toss to dust and let dry.As a bonus,use the leftover ginger or citrus-infused syrup with dessert or in cocktails. The right tableware can quickly lend character to an event. Consider serving a trio of soups to guests in shot glasses, says True, or dole out individual little gravy pitchers, available for less than $2 at some stores.Another solution for the gravy is to use that pretty teapot that usually collects dust, says Lisa Homa, a food stylist and recipe developer in New York City.“They’re the perfect vessel because there’s a top to keep in the heat, a spout for pouring, and they’re meant for hot liquids.” Mix and match high and low china and glassware, and put those family heirlooms in the spotlight!

TRICK OUT THE SET Finally, décor also plays a part in the success of the final presentation. Try embellishing the table with a beautiful log of sprouting blue oyster mushrooms from Far West Fungi (FarWestFungi.com), sprays of winter berries and leaves, or colorful winter fruits like persimmons, lemons and tangerines clustered near votive candles, says True. Baldwin likes inserting flowery vegetables such as brussels sprouts, purple cauliflower and baby turnips into holiday bouquets, with sprigs of kale, chard and mustard greens.And Schemper suggests using hollowed out pumpkins, acorn squash and dried gourds as candle holders or vases. Centerpieces inspired by nature are an easy way to remind everyone that, when it comes to holiday meals, the earth’s bounty is really what deserves our applause. © CTW Features

Where the Cool Kids Eat Tips to help the little ones dine in style DANA CARMAN CTW FEATURES

THE KIDS’ TABLE does not have to be the “land of exile” during holiday meals. In fact, with a few fun-focused ideas, the kids’ table can quickly become the spot where even the grownups want to sit. Kids love identifying their spots at the table, so for place cards use a picture of the child, says Linda Kaye, a New York children’s event planner and founder of Birthday Bakers Party Makers. She also suggests having kids involved in creating them.“Let them pick out the pictures and cut them out,” she says. Debbie Pollick, an event planner and owner of The Party Starts Here in Mission Vejo, Calif., likes taking red ornaments or plastic snowflakes and writing the kids’ names on them as place cards for the Christmas holiday. For another idea with the yuletide theme, try taking miniature stockings and using them as holders for the silverware and napkin or filling larger stockings with crafts to use and tying them on to the back of each chair.These could also have kids’ names on them, Pollick says. To dress up the table, Kaye suggests a cornucopia of gourds, pumpkins and the like in a basket with some tissue and ribbon for a lovely Thanksgiving centerpiece. As a bonus, give the kids a

little direction and have them make it. Pollick notes that a cored-out apple makes a great candleholder and keeps in the spirit of the fall season. For the Christmas season, Kaye pictures a confectionary fantasy for dressing up the table “to give it that kind of magical, old-fashioned Christmas feeling,” she says. The kids’ table should have functionality – as in, it should keep youngsters busy. Both Pollick and Kaye recommend offering some themed coloring pages and crayons, which can also be used as place mats (stickers also are useful here). Holiday crafts provide fun entertainment, and preparing the food itself in a kidfriendly manner is always a plus.“Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches,” Pollick says. She also recommends putting their food on or in special themed plates or bowls and, if age-appropriate, using skewers. She believes that mini grilled cheese on a skewer for dipping in a warm mug of tomato soup is the perfect appetizer for all ages. For dessert, let the kids decorate cookies or, better yet, sundaes.This is just another activity that can help prolong the adults’ meal because as Kaye notes: “Kids take a minute to eat.” © CTW Features

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Salt-Topped Chocolate, Toffee and Pecan Cookies 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 (3.5-ounce) bars milk chocolate with toffee pieces (see note) 1 cup coarsely chopped, salted, roasted pecans Coarse salt

One for the Road Send guests home with a sweet little something BEV BENNETT CTW FEATURES

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WHEN GUESTS are pushing away from the table satisfied by the extravagant dinner hosted, it’s easy to feel like the job is done. But don’t stop there. Extend the pleasure of a festive holiday meal with one more gesture. Taking a cue from a trend in finedining establishments and at special events, send guests home with a spe-

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cial treat as a token of appreciation. Giving people something memorable and delicious to take home is a delightful way to extend the experience, says Elizabeth Katz, an executive pastry chef in New York City. It’s a gesture Katz encourages. A holiday food gift could provide a small treat for the diner who was regretfully too full to eat dessert. A chocolate truffle, a rich chocolate brownie or a mouth-watering chocolate chip cookie will be a well-appreciated substitute.

That little morsel can also be a delightful breakfast reminder of the charming evening. Katz, who oversees the pastry departments for the New York B.R. Guest Restaurants, offers some suggestions. “At Ocean Grill on the Upper West Side we do muffins or teacake. We have a neighborhood clientele. Guests walk home and have their teacake the next day. It’s tradition,” Katz says. On occasion she’s given guests a small box of cookies. “They called to say it made them so happy to have a treat to look forward to,” Katz says. Start a unique token tradition. Share the following rich, intensely flavored chocolate chip cookie with guests and head to the top of the desirable host list. © CTW Features

Combine butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in bowl of electric mixer. Beat at high speed until light and fluffy, scraping bowl down occasionally. Stir together flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl. Add flour mixture to butter one-half cup at a time. Beat after each addition to blend in. Chop chocolate into bite-size pieces. Add chocolate and pecans to butter mixture. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide dough into 18 balls, about 3 tablespoons each. Place 9 on each baking sheet, at least 2 inches apart. Flatten to 1/4-inch thickness with fork. Refrigerate cookies at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours. Just before baking, sprinkle a small pinch of coarse salt over each cookie. Bake cookies one sheet at a time in preheated 325 degree F oven for 20 minutes or until cookies are set and golden brown around the edges. Remove from oven. Cool for five minutes; remove to wire rack and completely cool. Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap and add a ribbon. Makes 18 cookies. Note: Look for milk chocolate with toffee pieces in natural food supermarkets and finer food stores. Green & Black’s Toffee is an excellent choice. If not available, use milk chocolate covered toffee. Chop and measure 1 1/3 cups. If desired, bake cookies in advance, wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil and freeze.

Eye Candy

MATTHEW M. F. MILLER CTW FEATURES

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A Very Merry Cookie Party: How to Plan and Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange

Coming Home: A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions by Rosanna Bowles (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2010)

by Virginia Van Vynckt, Barbara Grunes and France Ruffenach (Chronicle Books, 2010)

A Homemade Christmas: Creative Ideas for an EarthFriendly, Frugal, Festive Holiday by Tina Barseghian (Harlequin, 2010)

Margaret Fulton Christmas: A Collection of Christmas Favorites by Margaret Fulton (Hardie Grant Books, 2010)

Party Vegan

Betty Crocker Christmas Cookbook E

Even the most prepared hosts and hostesses can’t plan for the truly unexpected events that threaten to sabotage an otherwise jolly holiday gathering.And when it comes to seasonal entertaining, the list of what could go wrong is even longer than Santa’s naughty list. Where does one turn when mere hours before guests are due to arrive, the toilet elects to overflow onto your impeccably clean floor? Who does one call when the turkey is stuffed and ready to bake but the preheated oven never rises above room temperature? Don’t despair.These local businesses and service providers are on standby to get any party back on track in no time flat. © CTW Features

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seeking inspiration for the next holiday gala will find plenty to chew on in the latest holiday cookbooks and entertaining guides. From cookies to cocktails to Crock-Pots, read up on the latest trends for 2010 and throw the poshest party on the block.

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